The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
